Maker has fearsome foursome for Muniz Memorial

NEW ORLEANS – Trainer Mike Maker is taking a major swing at the Grade 2, $300,000 Mervin Muniz Memorial Handicap on Saturday here at Fair Grounds with what his rivals may come to know as the four horses of the apocalypse, as they are absolutely capable of sweeping the superfecta.

So loaded is Maker with older grass runners that he will send out Enterprising, Granny’s Kitten, Oscar Nominated, and Roman Approval in the turf race at about 1 1/8 miles. Enterprising and Oscar Nominated were one-two last month in the Grade 3 Fair Grounds Handicap over this course and distance, Granny’s Kitten finished fifth in that race after an undesirable trip, and Roman Approval comes in fresh and looks like the one to catch.

Their main rival is Kasaqui, last year’s runner-up in the Arlington Million who was a fast-finishing second in the Grade 3 Tampa Bay in his 2017 debut.

Eleven are entered in the Muniz, named for the late, beloved racing secretary here.

Mervin Muniz, Race 9

KEY CONTENDERS

Enterprising, by Elusive Quality

Last 3 Beyers: 94-95-88

◗ He has won twice in his last four starts, and his win over this course and at this distance five weeks ago, plus a sweet rail draw, makes him formidable.

“I think at a mile and an eighth and beyond, you’ll see better races from him,” Maker said Thursday.

Granny’s Kitten, by Kitten’s Joy

Last 3 Beyers: 88-98-93

◗ A troubled start put him behind a soft pace in the Fair Grounds Handicap, and he could not catch the fresh leaders.

“We felt like he could have been a lot closer that day,” said Maker, adding that he would like to see Granny’s Kitten “a lot closer than last time” in the early going Saturday.

Oscar Nominated, by Kitten’s Joy

Last 3 Beyers: 93-93-92

◗ He has finished second in his last three races and now has finished in the exacta in 10 of his 16 starts. He wound up on the early lead in the Fair Grounds Handicap, but Maker believes he’s far better with a target and should get a more suitable trip in this spot. Both he and Granny’s Kitten are owned by Ken and Sarah Ramsey.

Roman Approval, by Roman Ruler

Last 3 Beyers: 80-92-84

◗ He has been freshened since running over a deep, tiring course at Churchill Downs in November and has spent the winter training at Gulfstream Park.

“He’s doing great,” Maker said. “He may get loose on the lead, and then I have to hope he doesn’t run out of trainer.”

Kasaqui, by Lasting Approval

Last 3 Beyers: 102-55-102

◗ He tuned up with a second-place finish going 1 1/16 miles at Tampa, and his trainer, Ignacio Correas, thinks the extra distance Saturday will benefit him.

“I still think at a mile and a quarter or a mile and an eighth is when he’s at his best,” Correas said Thursday. “I’m more comfortable with the extra sixteenth. He’ll have more time to put himself in a striking position.”